Which tartan?

**oregonscot** · 5th February 06, 04:34 AM

Yes, I'll admit it,"I am a newby". I do not own a kilt as of yet, but I do want to own one. My predicament is which tartan to order. I have looked into ordering one, but the price of ordering one in my clan's tartan (Lamont) kind of puckers my backside. I have checked out Stillwaters, and was very pleasantly shocked at the price. Yet no Lamont. So now I ask the very learned and wise wearers of the kilt...Which tartan should be ordered?
I am not familiar with some of the tartans, and I'm not sure I should be a wearin another clans tartan.

**macwilkin** · 5th February 06, 04:46 AM

Originally Posted by oregonscot

Yes, I'll admit it,"I am a newby". I do not own a kilt as of yet, but I do want to own one. My predicament is which tartan to order. I have looked into ordering one, but the price of ordering one in my clan's tartan (Lamont) kind of puckers my backside. I have checked out Stillwaters, and was very pleasantly shocked at the price. Yet no Lamont. So now I ask the very learned and wise wearers of the kilt...Which tartan should be ordered?
I am not familiar with some of the tartans, and I'm not sure I should be a wearin another clans tartan.

Have you considered one Matt Newsome's box-pleated kilts? They are very reasonable compared to a 8-yard traditional, and you can get one in almost any tartan:

http://kilts.albanach.org/

Cheers,

Todd

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 5th February 06, 05:25 AM

To further comment on Todd, I'll add this. If what you really *want* is a kilt in your family tartan, my advice is to save the money and get the real thing. Because otherwise you won't be satisfied. It's well worth it if it is what you want.

Not all traditional kilts are in the $500 - $600 range. Like Todd said, my box pleated kilts average about $350, because they use only half as much cloth. Most kilt makers also offer some form of 4 or 5 yard kilts (often called "casual kilts" or some variation) in the $300 range.

That being said, if you want a tartan that might be more cheaply available from Stillwater or another similar company, I'd lean towards the Black Watch. Your Lamont tartan is a variation of the Black Watch (a white stripe has been added), so it would be a close choice.

Aye,
Matt

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 5th February 06, 05:28 AM

Also, you might want to consider looking for second hand kilts. I don't know what your waist size is, but we have a Lamont kilt in a size 28" for sale now for only $150.
http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/specials.htm

**oregonscot** · 5th February 06, 06:04 AM

Thanx Matt,
I haven't seen 28" waist in almost that many years. Now if you had one with 6-8" more then that would be great. ( Too much good home cooking).
I read a previous thread that caused a bit of an uproar over who could wear what tartan, after I posted this one, so just to let everyone know I'm not here to fan the flames, nor want to. Ido appreciate any and all input.

**Norbydog** · 5th February 06, 06:10 AM

I would suggest getting one of the Stillwaters as a starter. It will be great for you to have while you save for you family tartan, and it can be your casual kilt when you get what you really want. If you are anything like me, you will want to wear your kilt 1-2 times a week and probably in situations you wouldn't want to wear your finest.

**Robin** · 5th February 06, 06:16 AM

My 2 cents...

When you're looking for your clan kilt...save money until you can buy a really good kilt.

This kilt will be very special to you...you'll wear it with great pride for many years.

I can imagine you're eager to get a kilt and there's nothing wrong with finding a cheap kilt...get the clan kilt later.

Welcome to the wonderful world of kilts :grin:

**UmAnOnion** · 5th February 06, 07:02 AM

Originally Posted by oregonscot

... I have looked into ordering one, but the price of ordering one in my clan's tartan (Lamont) kind of puckers my backside...

Now that is a visual that starts the day off in an interesting way....

welcome to X marks. I can tell you are gonna fit in around here very very well ;-)

**David Thornton** · 5th February 06, 09:54 AM

Here is a very nice offer ffrom a highly endorsed ebay shop. Lamont modersn & ancient.

http://cgi.ebay.com/SPECIAL-KILT-OFF...QQcmdZViewItem

**mbhandy** · 5th February 06, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

That being said, if you want a tartan that might be more cheaply available from Stillwater or another similar company, I'd lean towards the Black Watch. Your Lamont tartan is a variation of the Black Watch (a white stripe has been added), so it would be a close choice.
Aye,
Matt

I go along with Matt. Stillwater has a choice of Black Watch and are Quite afforadable.
Welcome to the forum,
MrBill